Easy Pastelillos

Discover how to make *Easy Pastelillos*, a classic Puerto Rican favorite that's perfect for snacking or entertaining! These crispy, golden pockets of flavor are filled with a mouthwatering mixture of seasoned ground beef, sofrito, olives, and a hint of tomato sauce, all wrapped in convenient empanada dough discs. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is as quick as it is satisfying. Fry them to perfection for a flaky crunch that contrasts beautifully with their savory, well-spiced filling. Serve them hot as an appetizer, party treat, or even a comforting main dish. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, these irresistible pastelillos will transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean! Keywords: easy pastelillos, Puerto Rican pastelillos, beef pastelillos recipe, empanadas, savory hand pies.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 2 tablespoons Sofrito
• 2 tablespoons Tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning
• 1 packet Sazón seasoning
• 0.25 cup Olives, sliced
• 10 pieces Empanada dough discs
• 2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 3 tablespoons Water

Directions

Step 1

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart into crumbles.

Step 2

2. Add the sofrito, tomato sauce, adobo seasoning, sazón packet, and olives to the cooked meat. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

3. Lay out the empanada dough discs on a clean surface. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of each disc.

Step 4

4. Lightly moisten the edges of each dough disc with water using your fingers or a small brush. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.

Step 5

5. Seal the edges by pressing them together with the tines of a fork. Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent filling from leaking during frying.

Step 6

6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.

Step 7

7. Fry the pastelillos in batches, 2-3 at a time, for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 8

8. Remove the pastelillos with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 9

9. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious pastelillos!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1599.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6690.4

Total Fat 622.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 121.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 321.1mg	0%
Sodium 3526.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 212.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.8g	0%
Total Sugars 1.5g
Protein 107.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 200.3mg	0%
Iron 19.3mg	0%
Potassium 1512.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 81.4%

Protein: 6.3%

Carbs: 12.4%